Martin Jarvis's strong narrative voice gives dimension to his portrayal of an aging teacher at a British boys’ boarding school. His delivery works well to avoid the sentimentality of this classic and gives likability to his characterization of the elderly Mr. Chips. The story begins when he is a shy novice teacher; then he meets his cheerful wife, Katherine, who nicknames him "Chips." It’s she who wins over the students, to whom her husband dedicates his life after her untimely death. Most poignant are Jarvis's stumbling yet well-timed speeches in the character of Chips, which retain a spark of humor that allows listeners to see how he inspires the students with his clever wit as he leads the school with strength and honor during the uncertainty of WWII.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 2 hrs
Publisher: CSA Word
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Reader Michael Prichard delivers a convincing rendition of Archie Goodwin, the burly right hand of the portly Nero Wolfe, world-renowned gourmand and detective. Prichard preserves the 1970s setting and 1950s origins of the story, bringing listeners a well-paced narration of murder and politics--a combination of elements that usually guarantees an exciting listen. This audio entertainment is as well formed and fragrant as one of Wolfe's hothouse orchids (the stout sleuth cultivates them by the hundreds in his town house greenhouse) as Goodwin walks us through an explosive murder investigation and political wheeling and dealing in a tough yet intelligent read.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2006
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Partners
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This collection of eight short stories contains gentle tales of fantasy and magic--not the magic of wizards and wands, but of wishing mats and enormous cats and gifts brought by the winds. In a lovely English accent, Lizza Aiken quietly narrates these stories in which magic and good fortune often come to those who deserve it. Although her pitch changes little, she registers a range of emotions--from the sadness of a girl whose necklace of raindrops has been stolen to the joy of a child who moves from a hard life and a ramshackle trailer to a happy home amid the clouds. A NECKLACE OF RAINDROPS would make a soothing choice for a family car trip after a long day.
Ages 6+Pub Date: Jan. 5, 2016
Duration: 1 hr, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781101915721
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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